On my last day in Singapore, I took the cable car round trip to Sentosa Island and Mount Faber Park for the sum of $29 (Singapore dollars). It's easy to get to the cable car station with a short walk from the Harbourfront MRT stop or a leisurely walk via the Sentosa boardwalk.
I chose the cable car for the fantastic aerial views across the city skyline, harbour, port, straits and of course the attractions on Sentosa itself. There are lots of activities to do on the island - some are free, but many cost extra.
At Imbiah Lookout, there is a 37m statue of the legendary Merlion guarding the prosperity of Singapore. Passing beyond this there are scenic walks to the beaches, Siloso Point and World Resorts Sentosa plus, of course, the inevitable souvenir shops.
The opposite end of the cable car loop is Faber Park. Whilst there are cafes and bars, this is a beautiful area simply for a nature walk. There are plenty of birds to be seen and a rich green rainforest covers the hillside.
At Faber Point there is a walkway winding around a series of 16 murals which depict the history of Singapore.
There is so much to see wandering along the riverfront in the warmth of the late morning. Workers as well as tourists throng around and there is a happy atmosphere as the business skyscrapers loom over their colonial ancestors.
The Fullerton Hotel was once the General Post Office and, in the 1800s/early 1900s, was where all incoming vessels would have had to report in order to collect and deliver mail. A nearby stone commemorates the life of writer and master mariner Joseph Conrad-Korzeniowski ('Heart of Darkness') for whom Singapore was a regular destination and home port in the 1880s.
Around Cavanagh Bridge there are a number of bronze sculptures depicting life-size scenes from the colonial days. Arguably the most spectacular is 'First Generation' which appears to freeze a group of naked boys excitedly jumping off the quay into the river.
The 'River Merchants' sculpture shows Alexander Laurie Johnston, a prominent 19th century trader, mediating a deal with Chinese and Malay traders. Next to this, coolies load bags onto an oxcart.
A slightly off kilter police notice on Cavanagh Bridge prohibits use by all cattle, horses and vehicles exceeding 3cwt. Nearby, a bronze cat watches her kittens play.
Along the quay are many food stalls and restaurants as well as business monoliths towering over them. On the opposite side of the river, work is ongoing to renovate and landscape the buildings around the Asian Civilisations Museum, the Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall and the Old Parliament building (which lies behind the new one!).
Walking in the direction of Raffles Hotel, one comes across St Andrew's - an oasis of calm contemplation in this busy metropolis.
Meanwhile, around the bay unmissable sights are: the Marina Bay Sands hotel, formed by a trio of towers supporting a 'ship'; the lotus flower shaped Art Science Museum; the Helix Bridge; the Lion Fountain and of course part of the F1 track - the Singapore Grand Prix takes place in the next couple of weeks!
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| Marina Bay Sands Hotel |
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| Art Science Museum |
Raffles Hotel... just the name conjures up iconic pictures of colonial style grandeur from various books I have read over the years. As I stepped under the teak verandah into the courtyard I felt charmed by this grand dame of old Singapore.
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| Liveried Sikh Doorman |
There is a sense of having slipped back through time, especially when an impeccably dressed manager in the uniform of a bygone era sweeps along the corridor followed by hurrying, harried minions. There is an air of elegance and sophistication that is inviting rather than intimidating.
Little oval plaques describe the restoration of the hotel which has many of the original furnishings. Comfortable chairs overlook the gardens and in intimate groupings in front of vista windows.
Quite unexpectedly, as I wandered into the courtyard, everything appeared to go several shades darker as the heavens opened and a torrential storm of rain swept in, reaching its aqua fingers right under the canopy and threatening to soak me.
There was nothing for it, I was FORCED to take refuge in the bakery/patisserie where I was served a heavenly 'breakfast' of tea, freshly squeezed orange juice and a melt in the mouth strawberry and vanilla Danish pastry. Mmmmmmmm!
As there were a number of corporate events taking place, some of the areas I'd wanted to visit were closed to the public. I decided to return the next day for a drink in the Billiard Room followed by a delightful light lunch in the courtyard. Interestingly, as a single diner, a selection of current magazines were placed on my table. I noticed that couples at other tables weren't engaged in conversation. So perhaps I got the best deal once I'd had my fill of admiring the architecture, soaking up the ambience and people watching since I was also able to read a variety of interesting travel articles!
